Ink migration barrier for printable structures

ABSTRACT

An example printable structure comprises a first fabric layer that includes a first side that is printable with water-based ink. The first fabric layer is permissive to migration of the water based ink through the first fabric layer. A first adhesive layer is bonded to a second side of the first fabric layer. An ink migration barrier is bonded to the first adhesive layer opposite the first fabric layer, a second adhesive layer is bonded to the ink migration barrier opposite the first adhesive layer, and a second fabric layer is bonded to the second adhesive layer opposite the ink migration barrier. The second fabric layer is permissive to migration of the water-based ink through the second fabric layer. The ink migration barrier is configured to provide resistance to ink bleed from the first fabric layer to the second fabric layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/728,356, filed Oct. 9, 2017, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Dyes and inks may be used to adorn the surfaces of fabrics with designs,patterns, and/or images. Such fabrics may be incorporated into a varietyof end products.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

In one example, a printable structure comprises a first fabric layerthat includes a first side that is printable with water-based ink. Thefirst fabric layer is permissive to migration of the water based inkthrough the first fabric layer. A first adhesive layer is bonded to asecond side of the first fabric layer. An ink migration barrier isbonded to the first adhesive layer opposite the first fabric layer, asecond adhesive layer is bonded to the ink migration barrier oppositethe first adhesive layer, and a second fabric layer is bonded to thesecond adhesive layer opposite the ink migration barrier. The secondfabric layer is permissive to migration of the water-based ink throughthe second fabric layer. The ink migration barrier is configured toprovide resistance to ink bleed from the first fabric layer to thesecond fabric layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows a multi-layered printable structure.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an ink migration barrier.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a product assembly encased in a multi-layeredprintable structure including an ink migration barrier.

FIG. 4A shows a first side of an example electronic device encased in amulti-layered printable structure including an ink migration barrier.

FIG. 4B shows a second side of an example electronic device encased in amulti-layered printable structure including an ink migration barrier.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating an example method for encasing aproduct in a multi-layered printable structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous consumer and commercial products feature two or more layers offabric bonded together, often using one or more layers of adhesive therebetween. Designs, patterns, and/or images may be printed onto one ormore sides of the layered fabric structure. However, when two fabriclayers are bonded together back-to-back, if artwork is printed on onefabric or both fabrics, the ink printed on the first fabric may migrateover time to the second fabric. This may create an undesirableappearance defect when the ink bleeds onto the cosmetic (e.g., exterior)layer of the second fabric.

This problem may be particularly an issue for water-based inks that areprinted onto fabrics containing polyurethane (PU). In such fabrics, thePU material content may increase a rate of ink migration compared toother fabrics, potentially leading to a visible haloing effect. Thiseffect occurs even if the fabric includes fibers that bind more stronglyto water-based ink pigments, such as polyester fibers. However,polyurethane may impart numerous other desirable qualities to syntheticfabrics. For example, a polyurethane may impart flexibility,conformability, tensile properties, tear resistance, softness,touchability, and make the fabric easier to process.

Accordingly, examples are disclosed that relate to mitigating dyemigration through a layered fabric structure by placing an ink migrationbarrier in between two fabrics that are bonded back-to-back. Such an inkmigration barrier may be constructed to allow for the layered fabricstructure to retain flexibility without concerns for dye migration,regardless of what portions of the fabric are printed. Layered fabricstructures including an ink migration barrier may be applied tosingle-sided printed fabrics, and may further be applied to productcovers where one or both sides of the product are adorned with a printeddesign.

FIG. 1 shows an example multi-layered printable structure 100.Multi-layered printable structure 100 includes a first fabric layer 110having a first side 112 and a second side 114. First side 112 may be anexternal side, and may be a printable side of first fabric layer 110.Multi-layered printable structure 100 further includes a second fabriclayer 120 also including a first side 122 and a second side 124. Firstside 122 may be an external side, and may be a printable side of firstfabric layer 120.

First fabric layer 110 and second fabric layer 120 may be any suitablefabrics that are printable with water-based inks. As mentioned above,first fabric layer 110 and second fabric layer 120 may be permissive tomigration of the water-based ink. For example, water-based ink printedon first side 112 of first fabric layer 110 may migrate through firstfabric layer 120 to second side 114. Similarly, water-based ink printedon first side 122 of second fabric layer 110 may migrate through secondfabric layer 120 to second side 124.

In some examples, first fabric layer 110 and second fabric layer 120 mayinclude at least polyurethane. As a more specific example, polyurethanefibers may be included in a synthetic fabric that further includes otherfibrous material such as polyester fibers. As an example, the fabriclayers may be generated from fibers that include a blend of at leastpolyester and polyurethane. In some examples, the fibrous polyestermaterial may be bound, for example, using polyurethane. Other materialsmay additionally or alternatively be used as a binder for microfiberfabrics, such as polyamide and/or other suitable materials.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of first fabric layer 110 andsecond fabric layer 120 may be other dye-migratory microfiber-basedfabrics, woven fabrics, etc. For example, first fabric layer 110 andsecond fabric layer 120 may include woven polyester fabric, knitpolyester fabric, and/or other woven or knit fabrics that may or may notinclude polyurethane. First fabric layer 110 and second fabric layer 120may be different fabrics and/or fabrics that include the samesub-components in different ratios or configurations. As examples, firstfabric layer 110 and/or second fabric layer 120 may comprise one or moreof PE fibers, polyamide fibers (e.g., nylon), cellulosic fibers,polypropylene fibers, polystyrene fibers, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene fibers, poly (vinyl butyral) fibers, and/or other fiber andmicrofiber types.

While described in the context of water-based inks and fabric layermaterials which permit migration of water-based inks, it should beunderstood that other combinations of inks and fabrics may be usedwithin multi-layered printable structure 100 and other printablestructures described herein, provided the fabric(s) are conducive tomigration of the selected inks and/or dyes. For example, polyester-basedfabrics, among other fabric types, may be conducive to the migration ofoil-based inks, such as plastisol inks, organic solvent-based inks,latex inks, UV-curable inks, etc.

One or both of first fabric layer 110 and second fabric layer 120 may beprintable with water-based ink. In particular, first side 112 of firstfabric layer 110 and/or first side 122 of second fabric layer 120 mayreceive printed dyes and/or inks. Water-based ink may be directlyprinted onto first and/or second fabric layers 110 and 120, and/or mayfirst be printed onto a carrier medium and then transferred onto afabric layer.

As an example, dye sublimation ink pigments may be applied to first side112 of first fabric layer 110 and/or first side 122 of second fabriclayer 120 through a sublimation process. Dye sublimation inks aretypically water-soluble, allowing the inks to penetrate fibers in thefabric layer without modifying the characteristics of the fibersthemselves. Dye sublimation inks may be ink-jet printed onto a carrierpaper. The carrier paper may then be dried and put in to close contactwith the selected fabric layer. Heat and pressure may then be appliedover time, for example, using a heat press machine. The dye sublimationinks may then sublimate from the carrier paper to the fabric layer,where the ink may bind to the polyester fiber components of the fabriclayer. However, porous fabric layers such as knit or woven polyesterfibers may permit dye migration through the fabric layer. Further, thedyes may not bind well to polyurethane components of the fabric layer,allowing excess ink to migrate through the fabric layer.

To prevent migration of inks between first fabric layer 110 and secondfabric layer 120, an ink migration barrier 130 may be deposed betweenthe two fabric layers. In this example, printable structure 100 furthercomprises a first adhesive layer 140 bonded to second side 114 of firstfabric layer 110 and ink migration barrier 130 is bonded to firstadhesive layer 140 opposite from first fabric layer 110. A secondadhesive layer 150 is bonded to ink migration barrier 130 opposite fromfirst adhesive layer 140. Second adhesive layer 150 is bonded to secondside 124 of second fabric layer 120 opposite from ink migration barrier130.

First and second adhesive layers 140 and 150 may comprise any suitableadhesives that may bind to both fabric layers 110 and 120 as well as toink migration barrier 130. For example, first and second adhesive layers140 and 150 may be adhesive films that are activated by heat and/orpressure. Heat activated bonding between an adhesive layer, a fabriclayer, and an ink migration barrier may be carried out under conditionsspecific to the materials and equipment (e.g., heat press, heated roll,heated belt laminator). In some examples, first and second adhesivelayers 140 and 150 may be activated using high frequency and/orultrasonic energy.

The thickness of first and second adhesive layers 140 and 150 may varybased on application, for example between 1 and 10 mm, although thickeror thinner layers may also be used. In some examples, one or more offirst and second adhesive layers 140 and 150 may comprise ester-basedpolyurethane films, nylon-based polyamide films, rubber, acrylic,silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives, ethylene vinyl acetate, oneor more UV curable adhesives (e.g., UV curable PET film, acrylatedcompound film), and/or other suitable adhesive materials. In someexamples, first and second adhesive layers 140 and 150 may be formedfrom a same material. In some examples, first and second adhesive layers140 and 150 may not be identical layers. For example, first and secondadhesive layers 140 and 150 may differ in thickness, composition, shape,etc. Where first and second fabric layers 110 and 120 differ incomposition, first and second adhesive layers 140 and 150 may beselected independently based on desired bonding characteristics.

Ink migration barrier 130 may comprise any suitable material thatprevents and/or significantly reduces the migration of ink between firstand second fabric layers 110 and 120. Ink migration barrier 130 may be anon-porous film that either binds or repels water-based ink or otherwiseinhibits water-based ink from traversing the film. Ink migration barrier130 may be bondable to other films and/or fabrics. For example, inkmigration barrier 130 may include a heat-sensitive thin film.

In some examples, ink migration barrier 130 may comprise a multi-layeredfilm. For example, FIG. 2 schematically shows a multi-layered inkmigration barrier 200 as an example of ink migration barrier 130. Inkmigration barrier 200 includes a first barrier layer 210. First barrierlayer 210 may include a polyurethane resin-based film, which may includeone or more additional materials (e.g., PET as a dopant). In someexamples, first barrier layer 210 may alternatively or additionallyinclude biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), wovenand/or non-woven polyester fabrics, polypropylene, PET, siliconemembranes, polyimide films, etc.

A first barrier layer 210 that is comprised of a polyurethaneresin-based film may be advantageous in that, not only does the barrierblock ink bleeding between two fabric layers that are bondedback-to-back, but the first barrier layer may be sufficiently thin toallow for minimal impact on the overall thickness of the printablestructure. For example, first barrier layer 210 may have a thickness ofless than 0.1 mm (e.g., 0.04 mm).

However, when applied directly to an adhesive layer, thin polyurethaneresin-based films may soften before coating. As such, it may beadvantageous to laminate other films to first barrier layer 210 prior tobonding ink migration barrier 200 to adhesive layers. As an example, inkmigration barrier 200 may include one or more hot-melt film adhesivelayers bonded to first barrier layer 210. As shown in FIG. 2, inkmigration barrier 200 includes a first hot-melt film adhesive layer 220and a second hot-melt film adhesive layer 230 applied to each side offirst barrier layer 210.

As an example, hot-melt film adhesive layers 220 and 230 may comprise amodified polyurethane resin, among other materials (e.g., 90%polyurethane resin). Hot-melt film adhesive layers 220 and 230 may bethin films (e.g., 0.02 mm), so as to reduce the overall impact on thethickness of the ink migration barrier. As per adhesive layers 140 and150, hot-melt film adhesive layers 220 and 230 may be made from a samematerial, or may have differing compositions, thicknesses, shapes, etc.,depending on the composition of the neighboring layers within theprintable structure, and the overall application. As examples, hot-meltfilm adhesive layers may comprise non-shrinking thermoplastic films,such as polyethylene films, polyamide films, olefin films, etc.

Multi-layered printable structure 100 may be used for any suitableapplication in which two-sided fabric that is asymmetrically printed(e.g., printing on one side, different printing on opposing sides) isdesired. As non-limiting examples, multi-layered printable structure 100may be used in clothing garments, handbags, outdoor furniture, athleticequipment, window curtains and drapes, towels, table linens, umbrellas,wind/sun shields, bedding linens and textiles, etc.

In addition to two-sided fabric applications, multi-layered printablestructures may also be used to decorate the exterior of a product. Forexample, FIG. 3 schematically shows an example product assembly 300.Product assembly 300 includes a device 305 encased in a multi-layeredprintable structure 310 including an ink migration barrier 315. Inkmigration barrier 315 may be an example of ink migration barrier 200,and may thus include a polyurethane resin-based ink-migration barriersandwiched between two hot-melt film adhesives.

As shown in FIG. 3, device 305 is a relatively flat device including afirst side 317 and a second side 319 that is relatively parallel tofirst side 317 (e.g., within 5 degrees of parallel). For example, device305 may be a keyboard for a tablet computer, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a smart phone, a wearable electronic device (e.g. wrist-worndevice, head-mounted device), or other portable device. In otherexamples, device 305 may be an automotive sun visor, a stand and/or casefor a secondary device, or other non-electronic device or soft-good.Other examples and configurations also are possible. Device 305 may be arelatively inflexible device, as compared to multi-layered printablestructure 310. In other examples, device 305 may be a relativelyflexible device that adjusts conformation in concert with multi-layeredprintable structure 310 when pressure is applied to product assembly300. Device 305 may be composed of materials that are impermissive tothe migration of ink or dye.

Multi-layered printable structure 310 may be used to encase device 305,and thus provide a covering that is decorative and/or functional (e.g.,comfortable, soft to the touch, tactile, protective). Multi-layeredprintable structure 310 includes a first encasing subassembly 320 and asecond encasing subassembly 325. First encasing subassembly 320 includesfirst fabric layer 327, first adhesive layer 330, ink migration barrier315, and second adhesive layer 333. However, in some examples, inkmigration barrier 315 and/or second adhesive layer 333 may be includedin second encasing subassembly 325.

First fabric layer 327 may include a first, printable side 335, and asecond side 337, opposite first side 335. As described with regard toFIG. 1, first fabric layer 327 may be a composite fabric structure thatis permissive to migration of water-based ink, such as a structure thatincludes fibers containing a blend of polyester and polyurethane. Firstside 335 may be printed with water-based ink, such as dye-sublimationink. Either prior to, or following printing and drying, first fabriclayer 327 may be die-cut to a geometry that is close to a desired finalgeometry for encasing device 305. The die-cut fabric may includefeatures (e.g., holes) that enable loading of the fabric onto a devicefor laminating and/or bonding first fabric layer 327 to other componentsof first encasing subassembly 320 and/or second encasing subassembly325.

Ink migration barrier 315 may be assembled by heating and pre-tackinghot-melt film adhesive layers to both sides of a polyurethaneresin-based barrier layer in a roll form, for example. The assembled inkmigration barrier roll may then be die-cut to a geometry similar to thatof first fabric layer 327. Both ink migration barrier 315 and firstfabric layer 327 may then be placed in fixture to be pre-tackedtogether.

First adhesive layer 330 and second adhesive layer 333 may includeheat-activated adhesive films, such as ester-based polyurethane films,nylon-based polyamide films, etc., though pressure-sensitive adhesivefilms and UV curable adhesive films may also be used. First adhesivelayer 330 and second adhesive layer 333 may be applied to opposite sidesof assembled ink migration barrier 315, for example, by thermal bonding.As an example, the adhesive layers may be applied to ink migrationbarrier 315 in roll form, staged and settled, then die-cut to anear-final geometry. In some examples, one or both adhesive layers maybe die-cut prior to being applied to ink migration barrier 315.

Second encasing subassembly 325 includes second fabric layer 340 andthird adhesive layer 342. Second fabric layer 340 includes a first side345, and a second, printable side 347, opposite first side 345. Asdescribed with regard to FIG. 1, second fabric layer 340 may be acomposite fabric structure that is permissive to migration ofwater-based ink, such as a structure that includes fibers containing ablend of polyester and polyurethane. As per first and second adhesivelayers 330 and 333, third adhesive layer 342 may include one or moreheat-activated adhesive films, pressure-sensitive adhesive films, and/orUV curable adhesive films. Second side 347 of second fabric layer 340may be printed and dried, and third adhesive layer 342 may be applied tofirst side 345 of second fabric layer 340, for example, by thermalbonding. Second encasing subassembly 325 may then be die cut forassembly around device 305. However, in some examples, one or both ofsecond fabric layer 340 and third adhesive layer 342 may be die-cutprior to being bonded together.

First encasing subassembly 320 and second encasing subassembly 325 maybe placed on opposing sides of device 305. In this configuration, firstside 317 of device 305 is in contact with second adhesive layer 333, onthe opposite side of second adhesive layer 333 from ink migrationbarrier 315. Second side 319 of device 305 is in contact with thirdadhesive layer 342, on the opposite side of second adhesive layer 342from first side 345 of second fabric layer 340.

When encasing subassemblies 320 and 325 have been placed in positionaround device 305, the subassemblies may undergo a product laminationprocess (e.g., heat lamination), whereby first encasing subassembly 320is bonded to device 305 and second encasing subassembly 325 via secondadhesive layer 333, and second encasing subassembly 325 is bonded todevice 305 and first encasing subassembly 320 via third adhesive layer342. This generates product assembly 300, wherein device 305 now has adecorative and/or functional covering.

The final lamination process generates fabric-on-fabric regions 350 and355. In these regions, first fabric layer 327 and second fabric layer340 are coupled together without device 305 in between. At the edges ofproduct assembly 300, fabric-on-fabric regions 350 and 355 may betrimmed for cosmetic or functional purposes. However, the presence ofink migration barrier 315 within the fabric-on-fabric regions limits thebleed-through of ink from one fabric layer to the other.

As an example, a product assembly as described with regard to FIG. 3 maybe an electronic device. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a product assembly 400including a detachable keyboard 405 that may be encased in a printedcover 410. Product assembly 400 may be an example of product assembly300, and detachable keyboard 405 may be an example of device 305.Printed cover 410 may be an example of multi-layer printable structure310, including two printable fabric layers, two adhesive layers, and anink migration barrier.

Detachable keyboard 405 may include a user input region 415, including akeyboard 420 and a touch pad 425. As shown, detachable keyboard 405further includes a mid-spine region 430 and a spine region 435. Spineregion 435 includes a plurality of connectors 437, which may be used tophysically and communicatively couple detachable keyboard 405 to anexternal electronic device, such as a display screen, tablet computer,etc.

Mid-spine region 430 may include an inflexible or less flexible segmentthat spans the width of detachable keyboard 405. Mid-spine region may beused to house components and circuitry of detachable keyboard 405, andmay further provide a magnetic and/or physical anchoring point forallowing detachable keyboard 405 and an attached display device to beused akin to a laptop form function.

A first flexible region 440 may be located between spine region 435 andmid-spine region 430. A second flexible region 445 may be locatedbetween mid-spine region 430 and user input region 415. First and secondflexible regions may house componentry, such as flex circuitry andcables, connecting user input region 415, mid-spine region 430, andspine region 435. First flexible region 440 and second flexible region445 may allow for detachable keyboard 405 to adopt numerousconfigurations for operation and storage, either alone or when connectedto an external device via connectors 437.

FIG. 4A shows a first side 450 of cover 410. First side 450 includes afirst fabric layer featuring printed artwork 455. FIG. 4B shows a secondside 460 of cover 410. Second side 460 includes a second fabric layerwhich may be die-cut so that cover 410 is not bonded to keyboard 420,touch pad 425, or connectors 437. The lamination process may generate aborder 465, wherein the two fabric layers are bonded together (viaadhesive layers and an ink migration barrier) without a portion ofdetachable keyboard 405 there between.

As such, border 465, first flexible region 440, and second flexibleregion 445 may include regions of fabric-on-fabric bonding. As shown inFIG. 4A, printed artwork 455 places ink within each of these regions.Without an ink migration barrier present in cover 410, ink may thusmigrate from first side 450 to second side 460, generating discolorationand visible artifacts within six months or sooner after productassembly. In some examples, an ink migration barrier, such as BoPETstrips, may be laminated exclusively onto the regions withfabric-on-fabric bonding, but this configuration may only serve to slowdye migration and may not stop dye bleed-through altogether. Byincluding an ink migration barrier, such as a polyurethane-based film,dye migration may be prevented over the lifetime of the product, thusallowing artwork to be printed anywhere on first side 450 withoutrisking dye migration to second side 460. Further, by using a thin,flexible ink migration barrier, the flexibility of flexible regions 440and 445 may be maintained. Additionally, border 465 may maintain apliability, rather than taking on a rigidity that may be less pleasantfor a user to touch.

FIG. 5 shows a flow-chart for an example method 500 for encasing aproduct with a multi-layered printable structure. In some examples,various steps of method 500 may be performed at distinct locationsand/or in separate, temporally different processes.

At 510, method 500 includes arranging the product on a first encasingsubassembly, the first encasing subassembly including: an ink migrationbarrier including a polyurethane resin-based barrier layer sandwichedbetween two hot-melt adhesive layers; first and second adhesive layersarranged on opposing sides of the ink migration barrier; and a firstfabric layer bonded to the first adhesive layer, the first fabric layerincluding at least polyurethane. The first fabric layer may bepermissive to migration of water-based ink through the first fabriclayer. For example, the first fabric layer may include fibers thatinclude a blend of at least polyester and polyurethane. As describedwith regard to FIG. 3, assembling an ink migration barrier may includeheating and pre-tacking hot-melt film adhesive layers to both sides of apolyurethane resin-based barrier layer in a roll form, and may furtherinclude die-cutting the assembled ink migration barrier roll to adesired geometry. The first and second adhesive layers may beheat-activated adhesive films, such as ester-based polyurethane films.As such, the first and second adhesive layers may be applied to oppositesides of the assembled ink migration barrier by thermal bonding, such asthermal lamination. The adhesive layers may be die-cut to a desiredgeometry following, or prior to being applied to the assembled inkmigration barrier. The first fabric layer may be printed with awater-based ink, dried, and die-cut to a desired geometry. The printedfirst fabric layer may then be adhered to the first adhesive layeropposite the ink migration layer via thermal bonding.

At 520, method 500 includes arranging a second encasing subassembly onthe product, opposite from the first casing subassembly, the secondencasing subassembly including at least a second fabric layer includingat least polyurethane, and a third adhesive layer bonded to the secondfabric layer. The second fabric layer may be permissive to migration ofwater-based ink through the second fabric layer. For example, the secondfabric layer may include fibers that include a blend of at leastpolyester and polyurethane.

At 530, method 500 includes laminating the product between the first andsecond encasing subassemblies so that the second and third adhesivelayers are bonded both to the product and to each other.

In another example, a printable structure comprises: a first fabriclayer including a first side that is printable with water-based ink, thefirst fabric layer permissive to migration of the water-based inkthrough the first fabric layer; a first adhesive layer bonded to asecond side of the first fabric layer; an ink migration barrier bondedto the first adhesive layer opposite the first fabric layer; a secondadhesive layer bonded to the ink migration barrier opposite the firstadhesive layer; and a second fabric layer bonded to the second adhesivelayer opposite the ink migration barrier, the second fabric layerpermissive to migration of the water-based ink through the second fabriclayer. In such an example, or any other example, the first fabric layermay additionally or alternatively include polyester fibers. In any ofthe preceding examples, or any other example, the first fabric layer mayadditionally or alternatively include polyurethane. In any of thepreceding examples, or any other example, the second fabric layer mayadditionally or alternatively include a first side printable with thewater-based ink. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example,the first and second adhesive layers may additionally or alternativelyinclude heat activated adhesive films. In any of the preceding examples,or any other example, the first and second adhesive layers mayadditionally or alternatively include ester-based polyurethane films. Inany of the preceding examples, or any other example, the ink migrationbarrier may additionally or alternatively include a first barrier layerincluding polyurethane resin doped with polyethylene terephthalate. Inany of the preceding examples, or any other example, the ink migrationresistant barrier may additionally or alternatively include one or morehot-melt film adhesive layers bonded to the first barrier layer. In anyof the preceding examples, or any other example, the ink migrationresistant barrier may additionally or alternatively include hot-meltfilm adhesive layers bonded to each side of the first barrier layer.

In another example, a product assembly comprises: a device having afirst side and a second side, opposite the first side; a multi-layeredprintable structure configured to encase the device, the multi-layeredprintable structure including a first encasing subassembly positioned onthe first side of the device and a second encasing subassemblypositioned on the second side of the device, the first encasingsubassembly including: a first fabric layer including at leastpolyurethane, the first fabric layer including a first side that isprintable with water-based ink; a first adhesive layer bonded to asecond side of the first fabric layer; an ink migration barrier bondedto the first adhesive layer opposite the first fabric layer; a secondadhesive layer bonded to the ink migration barrier opposite the firstadhesive layer; and wherein the second encasing subassembly includes: asecond fabric layer including at least polyurethane; and a thirdadhesive layer bonded to a first side of the second fabric layer; andwherein the first and second encasing subassemblies are bonded aroundthe device, so that the first side of the device is bonded to the secondadhesive layer, and so that the second side of the device is bonded tothe third adhesive layer. In this example, or any other example, thefirst and second encasing subassemblies may additionally oralternatively be bonded together such that one or more fabric-on-fabricregions are generated wherein the device is not situated between thefirst fabric layer from the second fabric layer. In any of the precedingexamples, or any other example, the first fabric layer may additionallyor alternatively include polyester fibers. In any of the precedingexamples, or any other example, the second fabric layer may additionallyor alternatively include a second side printable with a water-based ink,opposite the first side. In any of the preceding examples, or any otherexample, the first, second, and third adhesive layers may additionallyor alternatively include heat activated adhesive films. In any of thepreceding examples, or any other example, the first, second, and thirdadhesive layers may additionally or alternatively include ester-basedpolyurethane films. In any of the preceding examples, or any otherexample, the ink migration barrier may additionally or alternativelyinclude a first barrier layer including polyurethane resin doped withpolyethylene terephthalate. In any of the preceding examples, or anyother example, the ink migration resistant barrier may additionally oralternatively include hot-melt film adhesive layers bonded to each sideof the first barrier layer. In any of the preceding examples, or anyother example, the device may additionally or alternatively be adetachable keyboard assembly.

In yet another example, a method for encasing a product with amulti-layered printable structure, comprises: arranging the product on afirst encasing subassembly, the first encasing subassembly including: anink migration barrier including a polyurethane resin-based barrier layersandwiched between two hot-melt adhesive layers; first and secondadhesive layers arranged on opposing sides of the ink migration barrier;and a first fabric layer bonded to the first adhesive layer, the firstfabric layer including at least polyurethane; arranging a secondencasing subassembly on the product, opposite from the first casingsubassembly, the second encasing subassembly including at least a secondfabric layer including at least polyurethane, and a third adhesive layerbonded to a first side of the second fabric layer; and laminating theproduct between the first and second encasing subassemblies so that thesecond and third adhesive layers are bonded both to the product and toeach other. In such an example, or any other example, the first fabriclayer may additionally or alternatively include polyester fibers.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approachesdescribed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specificembodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense,because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines ormethods described herein may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/ordescribed may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described,in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of theabove-described processes may be changed.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel andnon-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes,systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/orproperties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A product assembly, comprising: a device having a first side and asecond side; and a multi-layered printable structure encasing thedevice, the multi-layered printable structure including a first encasingsubassembly positioned on the first side of the device and a secondencasing subassembly positioned on the second side of the device,wherein the first encasing subassembly includes a first fabric layerincluding a first side that is printable with water-based ink, an inkmigration barrier coupled to the second side of the first fabric layervia a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer coupling the inkmigration barrier and the first fabric layer to the first side of thedevice, wherein the second encasing subassembly includes a second fabriclayer, and a third adhesive layer coupling the second fabric layer tothe second side of the device, and wherein the ink migration barrier ispositioned between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer atleast in a region in which the first and second encasing subassembliesare coupled together without the device therebetween.
 2. The productassembly of claim 1, wherein the first fabric layer includes at leastpolyurethane.
 3. The product assembly of claim 2, wherein the firstfabric layer further includes polyester fibers.
 4. The product assemblyof claim 1, wherein the second fabric layer is printable with awater-based ink.
 5. The product assembly of claim 1, wherein the first,second, and third adhesive layers include heat activated adhesive films.6. The product assembly of claim 5, wherein the first, second, and thirdadhesive layers include ester-based polyurethane films.
 7. The productassembly of claim 1, wherein the ink migration barrier includes a firstbarrier layer including polyurethane resin doped with polyethyleneterephthalate.
 8. The product assembly of claim 7, wherein the inkmigration barrier includes hot-melt film adhesive layers bonded to eachside of the first barrier layer.
 9. The product assembly of claim 1,wherein the device is a detachable keyboard assembly.
 10. A method forencasing a product with a multi-layered printable structure, the methodcomprising: arranging the product between a first encasing subassemblyand a second encasing subassembly, the first encasing subassemblycomprising an ink migration barrier including a polyurethane resin-basedbarrier layer, first and second adhesive layers arranged on opposingsides of the ink migration barrier, and a first fabric layer having afirst side printable with water-based ink and a second side coupled tothe ink migration barrier via the first adhesive layer, and the secondencasing subassembly comprising at least a second fabric layer, and athird adhesive layer coupled to a second side of the second fabriclayer; and laminating the product between the first casing subassemblyand the second encasing subassembly such that the ink migration barrieris positioned between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layerat least in a region in which the first and second encasingsubassemblies are coupled together without the product therebetween. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein laminating the product between the firstencasing subassembly and the second encasing subassembly comprisesbonding the first encasing subassembly to the product via the secondadhesive layer.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein laminating theproduct between the first encasing subassembly and the second encasingsubassembly comprises bonding the second casing subassembly to theproduct via the third adhesive layer.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein laminating the product between the first encasing subassemblyand the second encasing subassembly comprises bonding the second casingsubassembly to the first casing subassembly by bonding the secondadhesive layer to the third adhesive layer in the region in which thefirst and second encasing subassemblies are coupled together without thedevice therebetween.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprisingprinting the water-based ink onto the first fabric layer.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein printing the water-based ink onto the first fabriclayer comprises printing a dye sublimation ink onto the first fabriclayer.
 16. A fabric-encased keyboard assembly, comprising: a keyboard, afirst encasing subassembly positioned on a first side of the keyboard,and a second encasing subassembly positioned on a second side of thekeyboard, the first encasing subassembly including a first fabric layercomprising a water-based ink, an ink migration barrier, a first adhesivelayer between the first fabric layer and the ink migration barrier, anda second adhesive layer between the ink migration barrier and the firstside of the keyboard; and the second encasing subassembly including asecond fabric layer, and a third adhesive layer between second fabriclayer and the second side of the keyboard, wherein the ink migrationbarrier is positioned between the first fabric layer and the secondfabric layer at least in a region in which the first and second encasingsubassemblies are coupled together without the keyboard therebetween.17. The fabric-encased keyboard assembly of claim 16, wherein the firstfabric layer includes polyurethane and polyester fibers.
 18. Thefabric-encased keyboard assembly of claim 16, wherein the ink migrationbarrier comprises a first barrier layer including polyurethane resin andpolyethylene terephthalate.
 19. The fabric-encased keyboard assembly ofclaim 18, wherein the ink migration barrier further includes hot-meltfilm adhesive layers coupled to each side of the first barrier layer.20. The fabric-encased keyboard assembly of claim 16, further comprisinga flexible region including flex circuitry positioned between the firstencasing subassembly and the second encasing subassembly.